Dahon Speed TR - First proper outing

Richard Bates said:

Travelled to Mosely in south Birmingham today. A cycle to Sutton
Coldfield station followed by a train ride to Hall Green.

My first problem was outside my house when I discovered that the
toeclips I fitted were facing the wrong way. I did swear and think "
how could I have been so bloody stupid"; but then it dawned on me that
I had simply plugged in the QR pedals on the wrong sides

Quoted message said:

I didn't *need* to fold the bike until I arrived at my destination but
for convenience I did the "tripod fold" as there was nothing to lean
the bike against on the 2nd train.

From Hall Green it was a 20 minute cycle to my conference.

That's when I had problems. In order to be able to carry this bike in
one hand, it needs to be folded completely. But to achieve the
smallest fold from this bike, an allen key is required. Of course,
this meant delving into the bottom of my bag to retrieve a multi-tool.

Cure = 1 allen key strapped to handlepost with a rubber band.

Quoted message said:

Once the handlebar quill is loosened sufficiently, there is a QR clamp
designed to stop the stem from falling out completely. It didn't. So I
got covered in grease trying to re-insert it.

Cure= trade in for a Brompton. (Sorry but it's true!)

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Quoted message said:

Richard Bates said:

Travelled to Mosely in south Birmingham today. A cycle to Sutton
Coldfield station followed by a train ride to Hall Green. My first
problem was outside my house when I discovered that the
toeclips I fitted were facing the wrong way. I did swear and think "
how could I have been so bloody stupid"; but then it dawned on me that
I had simply plugged in the QR pedals on the wrong sides

Quoted message said:

I didn't *need* to fold the bike until I arrived at my destination but
for convenience I did the "tripod fold" as there was nothing to lean
the bike against on the 2nd train.

From Hall Green it was a 20 minute cycle to my conference.

That's when I had problems. In order to be able to carry this bike in
one hand, it needs to be folded completely. But to achieve the
smallest fold from this bike, an allen key is required. Of course,
this meant delving into the bottom of my bag to retrieve a multi-tool.

Cure = 1 allen key strapped to handlepost with a rubber band.

Quoted message said:

Once the handlebar quill is loosened sufficiently, there is a QR clamp
designed to stop the stem from falling out completely. It didn't. So I
got covered in grease trying to re-insert it.

David Smith said:

Cure= trade in for a Brompton. (Sorry but it's true!)

True for some sorts of usage but not the type of cycling Richard and I
were interested in. I don't contest that the Brommie wins out over
everything for foldability.

But having test ridden a Brommie, it just doesn't cut it for doing a
century with ease with a train journey at each end. It also can't take a
full touring load.

I've set up my Speed TR so it has the ride of a normal bike; the fit is
perfect and I've ridden 50 miles with ease and in comfort. I know this
is *possible* on a Brompton but it's not what it's really designed for.

I'm happy to trade off 60 seconds of faff when folding in return for
greater rideability.

For the journey Richard describes a Brompton would be perfect. The Dahon
obviously wasn't.

"Not Responding" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

David Smith said:

Cure= trade in for a Brompton. (Sorry but it's true!)

True for some sorts of usage but not the type of cycling Richard and I
were interested in. I don't contest that the Brommie wins out over
everything for foldability.

But having test ridden a Brommie, it just doesn't cut it for doing a
century with ease with a train journey at each end. It also can't take a
full touring load.

I've set up my Speed TR so it has the ride of a normal bike; the fit is
perfect and I've ridden 50 miles with ease and in comfort. I know this is
*possible* on a Brompton but it's not what it's really designed for.

I'm happy to trade off 60 seconds of faff when folding in return for
greater rideability.

David Smith said:

For the journey Richard describes a Brompton would be perfect. The Dahon
obviously wasn't.

Yeah, I've got myself into a bit of a vicious cirlce as had I not
owned a folding bike, i would have simply caught the bus. I did indeed
buy the Dahon with rideability over foldability being the primary
factor. Yesterday's trip was the exception.

I need a Brompton aswell, I think.

--
Jesus was apparently betrayed by 8.3% of his disciples.

Richard Bates said:

David Smith said:

For the journey Richard describes a Brompton would be perfect. The Dahon
obviously wasn't.

Yeah, I've got myself into a bit of a vicious cirlce as had I not
owned a folding bike, i would have simply caught the bus. I did indeed
buy the Dahon with rideability over foldability being the primary
factor. Yesterday's trip was the exception.

I need a Brompton aswell, I think.

I found that out too; to keep my Bike Friday company

IMO a Brommie should be a compulsory bit of everyones bike kit.

John B